Delicious Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake

Recipe Overview 🍽️

The Middle Eastern pistachio cake is a rich and flavorful dessert inspired by the typical tastes of the region. With its soft texture and pronounced pistachio flavor, this cake is often enhanced with a touch of rose water or orange blossom water for a fragrant and exotic note.

Prep Time	Total	Servings
20 Min	1 Hr	8

History of the Recipe ✍️

This cake often called Lebanese pistachio cake, is inspired by traditional Middle Eastern pastries, where pistachios are a key ingredient. The Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake takes full advantage of this beloved nut, lending it a delicate flavor and unique green color. Often used in many regional recipes, pistachios evoke the sweet, aromatic flavors of the Middle East, bringing a fragrant, exotic touch to this delightful dessert.

Ingredients 🛒

listed in the order of use in the procedure:

200 g unsalted pistachios, ground into powder
100 g all-purpose flour
150 g granulated sugar
3 eggs
100 ml light olive oil or neutral oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
A pinch of salt
1 tablespoon rose water or orange blossom water
2 tablespoons plain yogurt (for added moisture)

Steps (How to Make ) 🥣

baking powder, and salt.
Whisk the eggs and sugar: In another bowl, whisk the eggs with the sugar until the mixture is fluffy and light.
Add oil and yogurt: Stir in the oil, yogurt, and rose or orange blossom water into the egg-sugar mixture.
Incorporate the dry ingredients: Add the pistachio-flour mixture to the wet ingredients and mix until you get a smooth batter.
Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Bake the cake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the cake is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let it cool: Allow the cake to cool before removing it from the pan and serving.

Chef Tips 👨‍🍳

Use lightly roasted pistachios to enhance the flavor.
You can add chopped pistachios on top of the batter before baking for a more authentic look.

Possible Variations 🎭

Pistachio and lemon cake: Add the zest of one lemon for a refreshing citrusy twist.
Pistachio-almond cake: Replace part of the pistachio powder with almond flour for a sweeter, milder flavor.
Pistachio-white chocolate cake: Add pieces of white chocolate to the batter for a richer, more indulgent version.

Bake Time 🔥

Bake the Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes at 180°C (350°F), or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This will ensure a perfectly moist and flavorful cake with a golden-brown top.

How to Store 🥡

How to Store Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it to extend its freshness for up to 5 days.

Shelf Life of the Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake

It can last up to 3 days at room temperature and up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

Food and Drink Pairings 🥂

Hot beverages: Pairs well with mint tea or Turkish coffee.

Cold beverages: A glass of almond milk or an orange blossom water drink complements the cake beautifully.

Presentation Suggestion 🍽️

Serve the Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake dusted with powdered sugar and crushed pistachios for an authentic look. It looks even more beautiful when topped with dried rose petals, adding a touch of elegance and an extra layer of fragrance that complements the rich flavors of the cake.

Why It’s Healthy 💚

Pistachios are rich in protein, fiber, vitamin E, and antioxidants. They support heart health and provide healthy fats. The Middle Eastern Pistachio Cake is also lighter than traditional cakes, making it a healthier indulgence without compromising on flavor. Its natural sweetness and vibrant color make it both a visually appealing and nourishing treat.